Lead Clinical Perfusion Scientist

Job overview

A Clinical Perfusionist is a vital healthcare professional who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment, such as heart-lung machines, during surgical procedures, particularly in cardiac surgeries. Their primary role is to manage the patient's circulatory and respiratory functions when the heart is temporarily stopped, ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to circulate through the body.

Main duties of the job

As an accredited clinical perfusionist you will be part of a dynamic team providing extra-corporeal circulation to all patients having cardiac surgery

The post holder is expected to carry out adult cardiopulmonary bypass without direct supervision

Provide teaching, training and supervision to unqualified trainee perfusionists whilst maintaining a safe working environment

Provide teaching, training and supervision to senior clinical perfusionists whilst maintaining a safe working environment

To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide perfusion services for any area specified

Support the head of perfusion in the management of the clinical area. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action on behalf of the Head of Perfusion and Perfusion department in conjunction with the theatre co-ordinator / theatre manager

To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular group of staff delegated by the head of perfusion

Act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff and provide a high standard of care to all patients

Primarily based at the RBH but may be required to work cross-site.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Select and prepare under sterile conditions the appropriate cardiopulmonary bypass equipment according to the needs of the patient and the surgical procedure. This may involve manual handling of heavy equipment.
• Implement a perfusion strategy for an individual patient based on the pre assessment of the patient records and discussion with the relevant medical groups. This will involve close working relationships with staff in a stressful working environment.
• Initiate and maintain cardiopulmonary bypass, constantly monitoring, interpreting and manipulating multiple complex clinical parameters; taking autonomous corrective action including blood transfusion during adult, paediatric and neonatal procedures.
• Implement evidence based best practice to maximise clinical effectiveness.
• Monitor and where necessary make appropriate autonomous corrections to blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base balance, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, and anticoagulation status of the patient during adult, paediatric and neonatal practice.
• Advise on and perform deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in conjunction with continuous cerebral perfusion techniques in order to preserve neurological function during complex surgery or other emergency situations where the patient’s systemic circulation may have to be temporarily suspended.
• Provide a highly skilled, reliable “out of hours” service by participation in the on-call rota. This requires autonomous practice without recourse to assistance or advice, and where highly complex, emotive decisions have to be made with regard to patient treatment and the employment or otherwise of particular treatment modalities.
• Perform paediatric and neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass with or without supervision depending upon experience. Training and supervision will be given where necessary.

Please see job description document for full responsibilities.